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Koshi River Floods - September 2008 - Nepal

Funds allocated:US$ 325 000

Affected population:34 people
died, and
49 000
displaced

The emergency

On 18 August 2008, the furious waters of the Koshi river, fed by heavy monsoon
rains, burst through the eastern retaining wall of an embankment about 10 km
north of the Koshi barrage. The wall of water that gushed out totally inundated
Shreepurjavdi and Shreeharipur, and portions of Lohaki and Kusahapaschim
in Sunsari District. Thirty four people died, and 49 000 were displaced. One
sub-health post was completely destroyed, and two others suffered partial
damage.

Funds allocated

At the request of the WHO Representative to Nepal, US$ 325 000 was allocated
for the emergency from SEARHEF.

How it made a difference

SEARHEF quickly provided substantial
funds to mount an appropriate
response to the emergency. Indeed,
SEARHEF and CERF were the only two
funding sources Koshi river emergency
response in the health sector.

Procuring essential medicines

With SEARHEF funds, essential drugs
and supplies were speedily procured
and distributed to ensure the health
of the people, and prevent desire outbreaks.

Rapid assessment

Rapid assessment of the situation and follow-up assessments were done to understand
the impact of the flood and the gaps that had to be filled for health care response.

Teams of WHO and UNICEF visited and provided feedback to the MoHP
for response support and identification of gaps.

Treatment provided in open ground next to a health post

Provision of essential medicines and supplies

Supplies and drugs were provided to rapid
response teams that were mobilized by
MoHP to provide health care services to the
displaced population. Ten mobile clinics were
initiated.

Provision of timely deployment
of health/medical personnel to
the field specially to the Internally
Displaced People (IDP) and host
community sites for rapid response
including surveillance and essential
health care services.

Immediate procurements of essential drugs and supplies for response
for continuation of services helped the Ministry of Health and
Population (MoHP) during the response.